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Don’t forget to bring your phone and arrive early to grab a seat. One of the highlights of our trip was the Norwegian Sun itself. We were particularly impressed with the ship’s amenities, comfort, and cleanliness. The staff were friendly and always willing to help, making our journey even more enjoyable.
The view of Glacier Bay from the ship
The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is literally across the street from NCL’s docking location in Seattle. Checking out of the hotel by 11 AM, we simply walked across the street, dropped our bags with the porters, and were onward to the terminal check-in process in no time. Norwegian Encore is the final ship in the Breakaway-Plus Class, with a gross tonnage of 169K and accommodating just under 4,000 guests at double occupancy.
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The ship features a range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining and many onboard activities to keep you entertained as you sail through Alaska’s stunning landscapes. When it comes to cruising Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out for its variety of itineraries and ships designed to maximize your scenic experience. While NCL offers several ships for Alaska cruises, including the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy, our journey was aboard the Norwegian Sun. This detailed review will guide you through every facet of our journey, from our departure in Seattle to our final port. We cover it all—port of calls, shore excursions, onboard amenities, and even those hidden gems that elevate a cruise from good to great. For kids, our Alaska cruise is like a theme park with the best rides.
Champs Bar
Our 10-day Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun was a memorable experience with a few hiccups. Whether you’re considering a 7-day cruise or a 10-day itinerary, our detailed Alaska cruise review aims to provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision. The city offers a wealth of activities for those planning to explore Seattle further. Whether it’s the iconic Space Needle or the bustling Pike Place Market, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. And if you’re heading straight to the airport, the cruise terminal’s convenient location makes for a smooth journey. We spent 10 days aboard the Norwegian Sun, sailing through Alaska’s most captivating ports.
Alaska Cruises
Then, given our limited bar options this evening, we grabbed out final drinks of the cruise at the A-List Bar before calling it a night around 11 PM. Given the short amount of time in port, we decided to make this our own sea day, tying up some loose ends and enjoying more of the ship’s amenities. While NCL fans give Q mixed reviews, we enjoy this BBQ specialty restaurant.
On a clear day in Anchorage, you can see the volcanic peaks of the Aleutians and the faint outlines of Denali before watching a dramatic sunset from your 15th-floor hotel room. And, if you really want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska, you can book a flightseeing trip, offered in most destinations, to see the glaciers and mountain peaks up close. If your trip is blessed with clear skies and sunny weather, you might actually see the mountain several times, say, during a jet boat tour on Talkeetna's three rivers or on the way to board the bus in the morning.
Unforgettable vacations await: Norwegian Cruise Line takes you to bucket list destinations with unmatched flexibility ... - The Points Guy
Unforgettable vacations await: Norwegian Cruise Line takes you to bucket list destinations with unmatched flexibility ....
Posted: Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The magnificent glaciers of Glacier Bay
I was in the throngs of despair, yes, but at least there was guacamole and I was alone so I could double dip. The shareable guacamole was prepared table side which was a little awkward for this introvert, terrible at small talk. “Seattle.” And then I remembered protocol, looked at his badge which said “Philippines” and asked “small town or large city? ” to which he responded “Manilla,” to which I replied, “oh, BIG city” and he moved on to his next table. One of the biggest surprises about the cruise tour is that certain meals might not be included. Some cruise tour programs don't include meals in the price to give travelers the freedom to try local restaurants of their own choosing.
Meet The Fleet Built for Freestyle Cruising
It is important to note that guests still need to pay the 20% gratuity on these free perks at the time of booking. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment you will never forget while witnessing the icy-blue glaciers and unique wildlife of Alaska. Walk through Greece's enchanting, sun-bleached streets, or find your own paradise in a secret beach in The Caribbean. Our award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to the most beautiful destinations around the world.
Final Afternoon at Sea
By way of a quick introduction, I’m Sarah, also known as “Prof. My passion for cruising is only equaled by my love for Alaska. ” I’ve cruised to Alaska dozens and dozens of times on nearly every cruise line and itinerary. In these ways, the tours are very unlike an Alaska cruise, where you travel at night and have full days in port, free to choose activities and time meals that best suit you. However, a majority of the activities on a cruise tour are quite good, while others might seem too touristy.
One of the most scenic rides is from Seward to Anchorage, along the Turnagain Arm, where snow-capped mountains and rolling hills rise on each side of the bay. Only in Alaska can you choose from an array of interesting wake-up calls. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers a Mount Denali wake-up call.
Familiarize yourself with where your stateroom is in relation to the complimentary dining, main atrium, Observation Lounge, and pool deck. Most Norwegian Encore Rooms, excluding The Haven family villas that sleep 6, only accommodate 3 – 4 guests. The Norwegian Encore first launched in 2019 and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus category of ships.
Make the experience more than a great backdrop by riding with sled dogs, watching a lumberjack show and flying high above the Mendenhall Glacier. HIGHLIGHTS • Cruise through beautiful glacially formed Misty Fjords.• Look for whales, orcas, seals and other marine life. • Listen while a Tlingit storyteller explains the tribal culture. Get the latest cruise deals and vacation specials sent straight to your inbox. Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience.
This service lets you check in and send your luggage directly from the ship to your flight, making the process as seamless as possible. In summary, Ketchikan is a multifaceted destination that offers a mix of nature, history, and adventure. Despite the slight hiccup with the docking location, the port serves as a condensed version of Alaska’s beauty and culture. After this nature-filled morning, we explored downtown Ketchikan. The area is a historical goldmine, featuring landmarks like Creek Street and buildings dating back to the early 1900s. We also visited Totem Bight State Park, a cultural hub showcasing indigenous art and history.
This building is quite large but is basically just a gift shop and tour meeting area. Sipping the signature smoked peach margarita, we stayed for a bit before calling it a night. Though, we actually enjoyed his material from the theater on the first night more. For entrees, I decided to order the appetizer-portion of chicken quesadillas with the Mexican corn and Don ordered the cochinita pibil.
This outdoor space provided uninterrupted views with fewer crowds and great views from the hot tubs. Normally a crew area, the ship’s helipad was open today for guests to marvel at these glaciers. We started our day here, accessing it through a hallway on Deck 8 near the District Brewhouse. Honestly, we weren’t all that impressed with the view from here, especially being short like me. Saving just a tiny bit of room for dessert, we finished off the meal with the butterscotch budino and tiramisu.
